Method and system for indicating the transmission mode for uplink control information

ABSTRACT

A base station includes a transmit path circuitry to select one of a first UCI multiplexing method that allows a subscriber station to simultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH and a second UCI multiplexing method that does not allow the subscriber station to simultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH. The transmit path circuitry also transmits a higher layer signal indicating the one selected UCI multiplexing method, and transmits one or more uplink grants. Each of the uplink grants schedules a PUSCH in an UL CC for a subframe n, and each of the uplink grants carries a CQI request. The base station also includes a receive path circuitry to receive an aperiodic CSI report on the PUSCH in the uplink component carrier i when only one of the uplink grants scheduling a PUSCH in an uplink component carrier i carries a CQI request having a value from a set of values.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/864,055 filed Apr. 16, 2013 and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FORINDICATING THE TRANSMISSION MODE FOR UPLINK CONTROL INFORMATION,” whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/096,565 filedApr. 28, 2011 and entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INDICATING THETRANSMISSION MODE FOR UPLINK CONTROL INFORMATION,” and claims prioritythrough those applications to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/331,272 filed May 4, 2010 and entitled “MULTIPLEXING OF CONTROL ANDDATA IN CARRIER AGGREGATED SYSTEM,” U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/350,890 filed Jun. 2, 2010 and entitled “MULTIPLEXING OF CONTROLAND DATA IN UPLINK TRANSMISSIONS IN CARRIER AGGREGATED SYSTEM,” U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/354,647 filed Jun. 14, 2010 andentitled “MULTIPLEXING OF CONTROL AND DATA IN UPLINK TRANSMISSIONS INCARRIER AGGREGATED SYSTEM,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/355,941 filed Jun. 17, 2010 and entitled “MULTIPLEXING OF CONTROL ANDDATA IN UPLINK MIMO TRANSMISSIONS IN CARRIER AGGREGATED SYSTEM.” Thecontent of the above-identified patent documents is incorporated hereinby reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to wireless communicationsand, more specifically, to a method and system for transmitting uplinkcontrol information.

BACKGROUND

In 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE),Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is adopted as adownlink (DL) transmission scheme.

SUMMARY

A base station includes a transmit path circuitry configured to selectone of a first uplink control information (UCI) multiplexing method thatallows a subscriber station to simultaneously transmit physical uplinkshared channel (PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and asecond UCI multiplexing method that does not allow the subscriberstation to simultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH. The transmit pathcircuitry also is configured to transmit a higher layer signalindicating the one selected UCI multiplexing method to the subscriberstation, and transmit one or more uplink grants to the subscriberstation. Each of the one or more uplink grants schedules a PUSCH in anuplink component carrier (UL CC) for a subframe n to the subscriberstation, and each of the one or more uplink grants carries a channelquality information (CQI) request. The base station also includes areceive path circuitry configured to receive an aperiodic channel stateinformation (CSI) report transmitted by the subscriber station on thePUSCH in the uplink component carrier i when only one uplink grant ofthe one or more uplink grants scheduling a PUSCH in an uplink componentcarrier i carries a CQI request having a value from a set of values.When acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information isscheduled in the same subframe n and when the one selected UCImultiplexing method is the first UCI multiplexing method, the ACK/NACKinformation is also transmitted by the subscriber station on the PUSCHtransmitted in the uplink component carrier i.

A method includes selecting one of a first uplink control information(UCI) multiplexing method that allows a subscriber station tosimultaneously transmit physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) andphysical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a second UCI multiplexingmethod that does not allow the subscriber station to simultaneouslytransmit PUSCH and PUCCH. The method also includes transmitting a higherlayer signal indicating the one selected UCI multiplexing method to thesubscriber station, and transmitting one or more uplink grants to thesubscriber station. Each of the one or more uplink grants schedules aPUSCH in an uplink component carrier (UL CC) for a subframe n to thesubscriber station, and each of the one or more uplink grants carries achannel quality information (CQI) request. The method further includesreceiving an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) report on thePUSCH transmitted by the subscriber station in the uplink componentcarrier i when only one uplink grant of the one or more uplink grantsscheduling a PUSCH in an uplink component carrier i carries a CQIrequest having a value from a set of values. Whenacknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information isscheduled in the same subframe n and when the one selected UCImultiplexing method is the first UCI multiplexing method, the ACK/NACKinformation is also transmitted by the subscriber station on the PUSCHtransmitted in the uplink component carrier i.

A subscriber station includes a receive path circuitry configured toreceive a higher layer signal from a base station indicating one of afirst uplink control information (UCI) multiplexing method that allows asubscriber station to simultaneously transmit physical uplink sharedchannel (PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a secondUCI multiplexing method that does not allow the subscriber station tosimultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH. The receive path circuitry alsois configured to receive one or more uplink grants from the basestation. Each of the one or more uplink grants schedules a physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) in an uplink component carrier (UL CC) fora subframe n to the subscriber station, and each of the one or moreuplink grants carries a channel quality information (CQI) request. Thesubscriber station also includes a transmit path circuitry configured totransmit an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) report to the basestation on the PUSCH in the uplink component carrier i when only oneuplink grant of the one or more uplink grants scheduling a PUSCH in anuplink component carrier i carries a CQI request having a value from aset of values. When acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK)information is scheduled in the same subframe n and when the oneselected UCI multiplexing method is the first UCI multiplexing method,the ACK/NACK information is also transmitted to the base station on thePUSCH transmitted in the uplink component carrier i.

A method of operating a subscriber station includes receiving a higherlayer signal from a base station indicating one of a first uplinkcontrol information (UCI) multiplexing method that allows the subscriberstation to simultaneously transmit physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a second UCImultiplexing method that does not allow the subscriber station tosimultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH. The method also includesreceiving one or more uplink grants from the base station. Each of theone or more uplink grants schedules a physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) in an uplink component carrier (UL CC) for a subframe n to thesubscriber station, and each of the one or more uplink grants carries achannel quality information (CQI) request. The method further includestransmitting an aperiodic channel state information (CSI) report on thePUSCH to the base station in the uplink component carrier i when onlyone uplink grant of the one or more uplink grants scheduling a PUSCH inan uplink component carrier i carries a CQI request having a value froma set of values. When acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement(ACK/NACK) information is scheduled in the same subframe n and when theone selected UCI multiplexing method is the first UCI multiplexingmethod, the ACK/NACK information is also transmitted by the subscriberstation on the PUSCH transmitted in the uplink component carrier i.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may beadvantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases usedthroughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” aswell as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term“or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and“associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean toinclude, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be containedwithin, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with,cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to orwith, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller”means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least oneoperation, such a device may be implemented in hardware or somecombination of hardware with either firmware or software. It should benoted that the functionality associated with any particular controllermay be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout thispatent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understandthat in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, aswell as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wireless network that transmits messagesin the uplink according to the principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a high-level diagram of an orthogonal frequency divisionmultiple access (OFDMA) transmitter according to one embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a high-level diagram of an OFDMA receiver according to oneembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a base station in communication with aplurality of mobile stations according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 5A illustrates a spatial division multiple access (SDMA) schemeaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5B illustrates a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)transmission chain according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 6A illustrates an A/N transmission in a subframe in which nophysical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled according to anembodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 6B illustrates an A/N transmission in subframes where physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled in one uplink componentcarrier (UL CC) according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 6C illustrates A/N transmission schemes in subframes where physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled in more than one componentcarrier according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of operating a user equipment or subscriberstation according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a user equipment or subscriberstation according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of operating a user equipment or subscriberstation according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of operating a user equipment or subscriberstation according to a further embodiment of this disclosure

FIG. 11 illustrates a method of operating a user equipment or subscriberstation according to yet a further embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a method of operating an eNodeB or base stationaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of operating an eNodeB or base stationaccording to another embodiment of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 13, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged wireless communication system.

With regard to the following description, it is noted that the LTE terms“node B,” “enhanced node B,” and “eNodeB” are other terms for “basestation” used below. Also, the LTE term “user equipment” or “UE” isanother term for “subscriber station” used below.

FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary wireless network 100, which transmitsmessages according to the principles of the present disclosure. In theillustrated embodiment, wireless network 100 includes base station (BS)101, base station (BS) 102, base station (BS) 103, and other similarbase stations (not shown). Base station 101 is in communication withInternet 130 or a similar IP-based network (not shown). Base station 102provides wireless broadband access to Internet 130 to a first pluralityof subscriber stations within coverage area 120 of base station 102. Thefirst plurality of subscriber stations includes subscriber station 111,which may be located in a small business (SB), subscriber station 112,which may be located in an enterprise (E), subscriber station 113, whichmay be located in a WiFi hotspot (HS), subscriber station 114, which maybe located in a first residence (R), subscriber station 115, which maybe located in a second residence (R), and subscriber station 116, whichmay be a mobile device (M), such as a cell phone, a wireless laptop, awireless PDA, or the like.

Base station 103 provides wireless broadband access to Internet 130 to asecond plurality of subscriber stations within coverage area 125 of basestation 103. The second plurality of subscriber stations includessubscriber station 115 and subscriber station 116. In an exemplaryembodiment, base stations 101-103 may communicate with each other andwith subscriber stations 111-116 using OFDM or OFDMA techniques.

While only six subscriber stations are depicted in FIG. 1, it isunderstood that wireless network 100 may provide wireless broadbandaccess to additional subscriber stations. It is noted that subscriberstation 115 and subscriber station 116 are located on the edges of bothcoverage area 120 and coverage area 125. Subscriber station 115 andsubscriber station 116 each communicate with both base station 102 andbase station 103 and may be said to be operating in handoff mode, asknown to those of skill in the art.

Subscriber stations 111-116 may access voice, data, video, videoconferencing, and/or other broadband services via Internet 130. In anexemplary embodiment, one or more of subscriber stations 111-116 may beassociated with an access point (AP) of a WiFi WLAN. Subscriber station116 may be any of a number of mobile devices, including awireless-enabled laptop computer, personal data assistant, notebook,handheld device, or other wireless-enabled device. Subscriber stations114 and 115 may be, for example, a wireless-enabled personal computer(PC), a laptop computer, a gateway, or another device.

FIG. 2 is a high-level diagram of an orthogonal frequency divisionmultiple access (OFDMA) transmit path 200. FIG. 3 is a high-leveldiagram of an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)receive path 300. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the OFDMA transmit path 200 isimplemented in base station (BS) 102 and the OFDMA receive path 300 isimplemented in subscriber station (SS) 116 for the purposes ofillustration and explanation only. However, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the OFDMA receive path 300 may also beimplemented in BS 102 and the OFDMA transmit path 200 may be implementedin SS 116.

The transmit path 200 in BS 102 comprises a channel coding andmodulation block 205, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 210, a size nInverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block 215, a parallel-to-serial(P-to-S) block 220, an add cyclic prefix block 225, an up-converter (UC)230, a reference signal multiplexer 290, and a reference signalallocator 295.

The receive path 300 in SS 116 comprises a down-converter (DC) 255, aremove cyclic prefix block 260, a serial-to-parallel (S-to-P) block 265,a size n Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block 270, a parallel-to-serial(P-to-S) block 275, and a channel decoding and demodulation block 280.

At least some of the components in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be implemented insoftware while other components may be implemented by configurablehardware or a mixture of software and configurable hardware. Inparticular, it is noted that the FFT blocks and the IFFT blocksdescribed in the present disclosure document may be implemented asconfigurable software algorithms, where the value of size n may bemodified according to the implementation.

Furthermore, although the present disclosure is directed to anembodiment that implements the Fast Fourier Transform and the InverseFast Fourier Transform, this is by way of illustration only and shouldnot be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. It will beappreciated that in an alternate embodiment of the disclosure, the FastFourier Transform functions and the Inverse Fast Fourier Transformfunctions may easily be replaced by Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT)functions and Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform (IDFT) functions,respectively. It will be appreciated that, for DFT and IDFT functions,the value of the n variable may be any integer number (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4,etc.), while for FFT and IFFT functions, the value of the n variable maybe any integer number that is a power of two (i.e., 1, 2, 4, 8, 16,etc.).

In BS 102, channel coding and modulation block 205 receives a set ofinformation bits, applies coding (e.g., Turbo coding) and modulates(e.g., QPSK, QAM) the input bits to produce a sequence offrequency-domain modulation symbols. Serial-to-parallel block 210converts (i.e., de-multiplexes) the serial modulated symbols to paralleldata to produce n parallel symbol streams where n is the IFFT/FFT sizeused in BS 102 and SS 116. Size n IFFT block 215 then performs an IFFToperation on the n parallel symbol streams to produce time-domain outputsignals. Parallel-to-serial block 220 converts (i.e., multiplexes) theparallel time-domain output symbols from size n IFFT block 215 toproduce a serial time-domain signal. Add cyclic prefix block 225 theninserts a cyclic prefix to the time-domain signal. Finally, up-converter230 modulates (i.e., up-converts) the output of add cyclic prefix block225 to RF frequency for transmission via a wireless channel. The signalmay also be filtered at baseband before conversion to RF frequency. Insome embodiments, reference signal multiplexer 290 is operable tomultiplex the reference signals using code division multiplexing (CDM)or time/frequency division multiplexing (TFDM). Reference signalallocator 295 is operable to dynamically allocate reference signals inan OFDM signal in accordance with the methods and system disclosed inthe present disclosure.

The transmitted RF signal arrives at SS 116 after passing through thewireless channel and reverse operations performed at BS 102.Down-converter 255 down-converts the received signal to basebandfrequency and remove cyclic prefix block 260 removes the cyclic prefixto produce the serial time-domain baseband signal. Serial-to-parallelblock 265 converts the time-domain baseband signal to parallel timedomain signals. Size n FFT block 270 then performs an FFT algorithm toproduce n parallel frequency-domain signals. Parallel-to-serial block275 converts the parallel frequency-domain signals to a sequence ofmodulated data symbols. Channel decoding and demodulation block 280demodulates and then decodes the modulated symbols to recover theoriginal input data stream.

Each of base stations 101-103 may implement a transmit path that isanalogous to transmitting in the downlink to subscriber stations 111-116and may implement a receive path that is analogous to receiving in theuplink from subscriber stations 111-116. Similarly, each one ofsubscriber stations 111-116 may implement a transmit path correspondingto the architecture for transmitting in the uplink to base stations101-103 and may implement a receive path corresponding to thearchitecture for receiving in the downlink from base stations 101-103.

The total bandwidth in an OFDM system is divided into narrowbandfrequency units called subcarriers. The number of subcarriers is equalto the FFT/IFFT size N used in the system. In general, the number ofsubcarriers used for data is less than N because some subcarriers at theedge of the frequency spectrum are reserved as guard subcarriers. Ingeneral, no information is transmitted on guard subcarriers.

The transmitted signal in each downlink (DL) slot of a resource block isdescribed by a resource grid of N_(RB) ^(DL)N_(SC) ^(RB) subcarriers andN_(symb) ^(DL) OFDM symbols. The quantity N_(RB) ^(DL) depends on thedownlink transmission bandwidth configured in the cell and fulfillsN_(RB) ^(min,DL)≤N_(RB) ^(DL)≤N_(RB) ^(max,DL), where N_(RB) ^(min,DL)and N_(RB) ^(max,DL) are the smallest and largest downlink bandwidth,respectively, supported. In some embodiments, subcarriers are consideredthe smallest elements that are capable of being modulated.

In case of multi-antenna transmission, there is one resource griddefined per antenna port.

Each element in the resource grid for antenna port p is called aresource element (RE) and is uniquely identified by the index pair (k,l)in a slot where k=0, . . . , N_(RB) ^(DL)N_(SC) ^(RB)−1 and l=0, . . . ,N_(symb) ^(DL)−1 are the indices in the frequency and time domains,respectively. Resource element (k,l) on antenna port p corresponds tothe complex value a_(k.l) ^((p)). If there is no risk for confusion orno particular antenna port is specified, the index p may be dropped.

In LTE, DL reference signals (RSs) are used for two purposes. First, UEsmeasure channel quality information (CQI), rank information (RI) andprecoder matrix information (PMI) using DL RSs. Second, each UEdemodulates the DL transmission signal intended for itself using the DLRSs. In addition, DL RSs are divided into three categories:cell-specific RSs, multi-media broadcast over a single frequency network(MBSFN) RSs, and UE-specific RSs or dedicated RSs (DRSs).

Cell-specific reference signals (or common reference signals: CRSs) aretransmitted in all downlink subframes in a cell supporting non-MBSFNtransmission. If a subframe is used for transmission with MBSFN, onlythe first a few (0, 1 or 2) OFDM symbols in a subframe can be used fortransmission of cell-specific reference symbols. The notation R_(p) isused to denote a resource element used for reference signal transmissionon antenna port p.

UE-specific reference signals (or dedicated RS: DRS) are supported forsingle-antenna-port transmission on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel(PDSCH) and are transmitted on antenna port 5. The UE is informed byhigher layers whether the UE-specific reference signal is present and isa valid phase reference for PDSCH demodulation or not. UE-specificreference signals are transmitted only on the resource blocks upon whichthe corresponding PDSCH is mapped.

The time resources of an LTE system are partitioned into 10 msec frames,and each frame is further partitioned into 10 subframes of one msecduration each. A subframe is divided into two time slots, each of whichspans 0.5 msec. A subframe is partitioned in the frequency domain intomultiple resource blocks (RBs), where an RB is composed of 12subcarriers.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram 400 of a base station 420 in communicationwith a plurality of mobile stations 402, 404, 406, and 408 according toan embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 4, base station 420 simultaneously communicates withmultiple of mobile stations through the use of multiple antenna beams,each antenna beam is formed toward its intended mobile station at thesame time and same frequency. Base station 420 and mobile stations 402,404, 406, and 408 are employing multiple antennas for transmission andreception of radio wave signals. The radio wave signals can beOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signals.

In this embodiment, base station 420 performs simultaneous beamformingthrough a plurality of transmitters to each mobile station. Forinstance, base station 420 transmits data to mobile station 402 througha beamformed signal 410, data to mobile station 404 through a beamformedsignal 412, data to mobile station 406 through a beamformed signal 414,and data to mobile station 408 through a beamformed signal 416. In someembodiments of this disclosure, base station 420 is capable ofsimultaneously beamforming to the mobile stations 402, 404, 406, and408. In some embodiments, each beamformed signal is formed toward itsintended mobile station at the same time and the same frequency. For thepurpose of clarity, the communication from a base station to a mobilestation may also be referred to as downlink communication, and thecommunication from a mobile station to a base station may be referred toas uplink communication.

Base station 420 and mobile stations 402, 404, 406, and 408 employmultiple antennas for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. It isunderstood that the wireless signals may be radio wave signals, and thewireless signals may use any transmission scheme known to one skilled inthe art, including an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)transmission scheme.

Mobile stations 402, 404, 406, and 408 may be any device that is capablereceiving wireless signals. Examples of mobile stations 402, 404, 406,and 408 include, but are not limited to, a personal data assistant(PDA), laptop, mobile telephone, handheld device, or any other devicethat is capable of receiving the beamformed transmissions.

The use of multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas atboth a base station and a single mobile station to improve the capacityand reliability of a wireless communication channel is known as a SingleUser Multiple Input Multiple Output (SU-MIMO) system. A MIMO systempromises linear increase in capacity with K where K is the minimum ofnumber of transmit (M) and receive antennas (N) (i.e., K=min(M,N)). AMIMO system can be implemented with the schemes of spatial multiplexing,a transmit/receive beamforming, or transmit/receive diversity.

As an extension of SU-MIMO, multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) is a communicationscenario where a base station with multiple transmit antennas cansimultaneously communicate with multiple mobile stations through the useof multi-user beamforming schemes such as Spatial Division MultipleAccess (SDMA) to improve the capacity and reliability of a wirelesscommunication channel.

FIG. 5A illustrates an SDMA scheme according to an embodiment of thisdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5, base station 420 is equipped with 8 transmitantennas while mobile stations 402, 404, 406, and 408 are each equippedtwo antennas. In this example, base station 420 has eight transmitantennas. Each of the transmit antennas transmits one of beamformedsignals 410, 502, 504, 412, 414, 506, 416, and 508. In this example,mobile station 402 receives beamformed transmissions 410 and 502, mobilestation 404 receives beamformed transmissions 504 and 412, mobilestation 406 receives beamformed transmissions 506 and 414, and mobilestation 408 receives beamformed transmissions 508 and 416.

Since base station 420 has eight transmit antenna beams (each antennabeams one stream of data streams), eight streams of beamformed data canbe formed at base station 420. Each mobile station can potentiallyreceive up to 2 streams (beams) of data in this example. If each of themobile stations 402, 404, 406, and 408 was limited to receive only asingle stream (beam) of data, instead of multiple streamssimultaneously, this would be multi-user beamforming (i.e., MU-BF).

In 3GPP LTE-A Rel-10, UL MIMO spatial multiplexing (SM) is introduced.When a UE is scheduled to transmit signals in a subframe using anUL-MIMO SM scheme in LTE-A, the UE can transmit up to two codewords(CWs) in the subframe.

When two CWs are to be transmitted in a subframe, two bit-streams h ⁽¹⁾and h ⁽²⁾ for the two CWs are separately generated, where h ^((q))=[h₀^((q)), h₁ ^((q)), . . . , h_(H+Q) _(RI) ⁻¹ ^((q))], where q ∈{1,2}. Thetwo inputs from the coding steps separately go through scrambling andmodulation mapping. The output of a modulation mapping block is a CW. Upto two CWs are input to a CW-to-layer mapping block whose outputs arelayers, which are L modulation symbol streams. Then, each of the Lmodulation symbol streams is input to a transform (or discrete Fouriertransform (DFT)) precoder, and the outputs of the DFT precoders areinput to a transmit precoding block. The transmit precoding blockgenerates N_(t) modulation symbols streams, each of which will betransmitted in a transmit antenna port.

One of the key component of this uplink transmission is the data/controlmultiplexing function.

FIG. 5B illustrates a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)transmission chain 510 according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an n layer transmission on an N_(t) transmit antennaUE. FIG. 5B illustrates the mapping of the outputs of n Discrete FourierTransform (DFT) precoding units 511-1 to 511-N to a contiguous set ofsubcarriers at inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) units 513-1 to513-N.

One of the key components of the PUSCH transmission chain 510 is thedata/control multiplexing function implemented in a data/controlmultiplexing unit 515, which is fully specified in 3GPP TS 36.212 v8.5.0, “E-UTRA, Multiplexing and Channel Coding,” December 2008, whichis incorporated herein by reference.

The layer mapping is performed before DFT precoding, so that the dataand control information are properly multiplexed and interleaved. Thetransmit precoding is performed between the DFT precoding units 511-1 to511-N and the IFFT unit 513 to transform, on a per-subcarrier basic, anN dimension signal at the output of the DFT precoding units 511-1 to511-N to an N_(t) dimensional signal as an input to the IFFT units 513-1to 513-N. The subcarrier mapping at the input of the IFFT units 513-1 to513-N can include non-contiguous segments of subcarriers.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, all the uplink control information(including CQI, RI and A/N bits) is carried on only one of the layers,with the following ways of choosing a particular layer for carrying theuplink control information. The total number of transmission layers isdenoted as N.

If the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) used by the N layers aredifferent, the layer that has the largest MCS value is selected to carrythe uplink control information such as CQI, RI and A/N. The MCS valuesare typically carried in the UL schedule assignment grant (sent by theeNodeB to the UE) and, therefore, are known at the UE at the time ofthis data and control transmission. The control region size is definedas the number of resource elements.

If the MCS used by the N layers is the same, then the first layer isselect to carry the uplink control information such as the CQI, RI andA/N. Such an embodiment could be suitable for situations wheretechniques such as layer mixing/layer permutation are used to ensure thesame channel quality and, therefore, the same MCS values on all thelayers.

This selection of a layer could also be explicitly signaled in theuplink scheduling grant as an additional control field, using eitherdownlink control information (DCI) format 0 or some other uplink grantDCI format.

In addition, the sizes of the three control regions (CQI, RI, A/N) aredetermined as a function of the corresponding UCI uplink controlinformation (UCI) size, the MCS value associated with the layer on whichthe control regions are transmitted, and a higher layer signaled offset.The exact calculation of control region sizes is similar to what hasalready specified in 3GPP LTE standard 3GPP TS 36.212 v 8.5.0, “E-UTRA,Multiplexing and Channel Coding,” December 2008, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

For example, if a single CW solution is used in the UL MIMO with layerpermutation/mixing, meaning all the layers will have the same MCS, thenthe control region equation for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ)and rank indication (RI) bits in section 5.2.2.6 of 3GPP LTE standard3GPP TS 36.212 v 8.5.0, “E-UTRA, Multiplexing and Channel coding,”December 2008 can be amended as shown in Equation 1 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = \left( {\left\lceil \frac{O \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH} \cdot N}{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}}}} \right)},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 1} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$Note the inclusion of the factor “N,” which denotes the number oflayers, in the numerator. The sum in the denominator will be over allcode blocks (CBs) in all layers. Here C(n) denotes the number of CBs inlayer n, and K_(r,n) denotes the size of the rth CB in layer n.Similarly the control region equation for CQI bits is shown in Equation2 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\left( {O + L} \right) \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH} \cdot N}{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}}} \right\rceil,{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}}} - \frac{Q_{RI}}{Q_{m}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

In another embodiment, if the MCS on the layers are different and thepth layer is selected to be the layer on which UCI is transmitted, thenEquations 1 and 2 can be amended as shown in Equations 3 and 4,respectively, below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{O \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(p)}} - 1}K_{r,p}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 3} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$for RI and A/N bits and

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\left( {O + L} \right) \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(p)}} - 1}K_{r,p}} \right\rceil,{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH} - {current}}} - \frac{Q_{RI}}{Q_{m}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 4} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$for CQI bits.

In some embodiments of this disclosure, the uplink control informationis mapped/allocated onto a subset of the N layers being transmitted onthe uplink in a MIMO uplink subframe. The size of the subset, N_(s),could be less than or equal to the total number of layers, which isdenoted by N.

If the subset size N_(s) is less than N, i.e., N_(s)<N, then the layersused for uplink control transmission could be known at the UE accordingto one of the following methods.

For example, the subset of layers used for uplink control informationcould also be explicitly signaled in the uplink scheduling grant as anadditional control field, using either DCI format 0 or some other uplinkgrant DCI format.

In another example, the subset of layers could be implicitly inferred bythe UE according to (1) number of codewords; (2) codeword to layermapping structure; and (3) the codeword that uses highest MCS value. Forexample, if N=4 and layer 1, 2 are used for codeword 1 transmissionwhile layer 3, 4 are used for codeword 2 transmission, and if the MCSused by codeword 1 is better than the MCS used by codeword 2, then theUE can decide to transmit UL control information on layers 1&2, whichcorresponds to the layers with the better MCS.

In particular embodiments, the determination of the uplink controlregions follows one of the following rules. Note that the subset oflayers that contain control information is denoted as active layers.

Case 1. If the active layers used for UL control transmission have thesame MCS, then the total size of each control region (CQI, RI, A/N)across the active layers is determined as a function of thecorresponding UCI size and this single MCS value, and the controlinformation is distributed evenly across the active layers, where eachlayer gets roughly 1/N_(s) of the total control region size. Such anembodiment could be suitable for situations where techniques such aslayer mixing/layer permutation are used to ensure the same channelquality and, therefore, the same MCS values on all the layers.

Case 2. If the active layers have different MCS in their transmissions,then two alternatives apply.

Case 2a. For each active layer, a per-layer control region size isdetermined according to the UCI size and the MCS on that particularlayer. The total size of the control region is the sum of the per-layercontrol region sizes over the active layers. The control information isthen distributed to the active layers according to the per-layer controlregion size.

For case 2a, one example of determining the overall control region sizecan be given by amending Equations 1 and 2 as shown in Equations 5 and6, respectively, below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Q^{\prime}(n)} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{O \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 5} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$for n=1, . . . N_(s), where Q′(n) is the number of RI and A/N symbols inthe nth active layer.

$\begin{matrix}{{{Q^{\prime}(n)} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\left( {O + L} \right) \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}} \right\rceil,{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH} - {current}}} - \frac{Q_{RI}(n)}{Q_{m}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 6} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where Q′(n) is the number of CQI symbols in the nth active layer, andQ_(RI)(n) is the number of RI symbols allocated on this active layer.

Case 2b. The size of the total control region is jointly determined as afunction of the UCI size and the MCSs on all active layers, and thecontrol information is distributed evenly across all the active layers,where each layer gets roughly 1/N_(s) of the total control region size.

For both case 1 and case 2b, one example of determining the overallcontrol region size can be given by amending Equations 1 and 2 as shownin Equations 7 and 8, respectively, below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{O \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{s}}{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N_{s}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{s}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 7} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$for RI and A/N bits. Note the first summation on the denominator issummed over all active layers, and

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\left( {O + L} \right) \cdot M_{sc}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{symb}^{PUSCH} \cdot \beta_{offset}^{PUSCH} \cdot N_{s}}{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N_{s}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(n)}} - 1}K_{r,n}}} \right\rceil,{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{current}} \cdot N_{s}} - \frac{Q_{RI}}{Q_{m}}}} \right)}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 8} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$for CQI bits.

Furthermore, the UCI symbols can be ensured to be evenly distributedacross all active layers. Let

${Q^{\prime\prime} = {N_{s} \cdot \left\lceil \frac{Q^{\prime}}{N_{s}} \right\rceil}},$and use Q″ as the total number of UCI symbols. A total of Q″-Q′ nullfiller symbols are added to ensure the correctness of rate matching.

In the current LTE specification, an eNodeB and a UE exchange physicalsignals associated with a HARQ process.

For DL transmission to a UE, an eNodeB transmits a DL transmission grantto a UE containing a HARQ ID number #n in a subframe. In the samesubframe, the eNodeB also transmits up to two packets (or transportblocks (TBs)) for the HARQ process to the UE. Four subframes later, theUE sends an acknowledgement of the packets in HARQ process #n back tothe eNodeB. The acknowledgement signal contains up to two bits for thetwo packets, and each bit indicates the decoding result at the UE. Ifthe UE successfully decodes a packet, the acknowledgement signal willhave an acknowledgement (ACK) bit for the packet. Otherwise, theacknowledgement signal will have a negative acknowledgement (NACK) bitfor the packet. If a NACK is received for a packet, the eNodeB sends atransmission grant containing a HARQ ID #n and a retransmission packetfor the HARQ process to the UE in a subframe that is a few subframeslater than the subframe in which the UE received a NACK.

For UL transmission to a UE, an eNodeB transmits an UL transmissiongrant to the UE containing HARQ ID number #n in a subframe. Foursubframes later, the UE transmits a packet for the HARQ process to theeNodeB. Four subframes later, the eNodeB sends an acknowledgement of thepacket in HARQ process #n back to the UE. If the eNodeB successfullydecodes the packet, the eNodeB sends back an ACK. Otherwise, the eNodeBsends back a NACK to the UE. If a NACK is received, the UE retransmitsthe packet for the HARQ process to the eNodeB in a subframe that is foursubframes later than the subframe in which the UE received a NACK.

A physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) that carries DCI istransmitted on an aggregation of one or more consecutive control channelelements (CCEs). The CCEs available in the DL carrier are numbered from0 to N_(CCE)−1.

In the LTE system, the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) isfurther divided into multiple regions: CQI region, persistent-ACK/NACKand scheduling request region (P-ACK/SR) and dynamic ACK/NACK region(D-ACK). A CQI resource is uniquely identified by its resource pair,i.e., a cyclic shift (CS) index and a resource block (RB) index. On theother hand, a P-ACK/SR or a D-ACK resource is uniquely identified by itsresource triple, i.e., a CS index, and orthogonal cover (OC) index and aRB index.

A D-ACK is mapped to a PUCCH AN resource triple from an index n_(PUCCH)⁽¹⁾.

In summary, in the LTE system, there is a one-to-one mapping functionfrom a CCE index in subframe n, to a PUCCH AN resource triple insubframe n−k.

This disclosure provides systems and methods for simultaneouslytransmitting data and control information such as CQI (channel qualityinformation), RI (rank information), A/N (ACK/NACK information) in ULcarrier aggregated systems. Note that all three types of uplink controlinformation are also generally denoted as UCI.

UL carrier aggregated systems where A/N is scheduled in subframe naccording to Rel-8 LTE procedure to acknowledge a DL PDSCH transmissionthat occurred in subframe n−k are considered. In such systems, thephysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) may have been transmitted inone or more DL carriers in subframe n−k. The number of information bitsthat the A/N carries is denoted by N_(AN), where N_(AN) is a positiveinteger.

FIG. 6A illustrates an A/N transmission 600 in a subframe in which nophysical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled according to anembodiment of this disclosure.

Without an UL PUSCH transmission scheduled in subframe n, A/N istransmitted in an UL channel in the subframe. In this case, the ULchannel can be PUCCH format 1, PUCCH format 2, a new PUCCH format ofDFT-s-OFDM, or PUSCH. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the A/N 601 istransmitted in PUCCH on a RB located close to one band edge in the firstslot of subframe n, and on another RB located close to the other bandedge in the first slot of subframe n in the UL primary component carrier(PCC).

FIG. 6B illustrates an A/N transmission 610 in subframes where physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled in one uplink componentcarrier (UL CC) according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

With UL PUSCH transmission scheduled in one UL CC in subframe n, twomethods of multiplexing UL data and A/N can be considered as shown inFIG. 6B. In one scheme (denoted as AN multiplexing scheme 1), A/N istransmitted in the PUCCH in the PCC, while UL data is transmitted in thePUSCH in the scheduled UL CC, if any. In another scheme (denoted as ANmultiplexing scheme 2), A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCH in the scheduledUL CC. In particular embodiments, A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCHaccording to methods proposed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/206,455 entitled “Uplink Data And Control Signal Transmission in MIMOWireless Systems” and filed Jan. 30, 2009, and U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 12/641,951 entitled “System And Method ForUplink Data And Control Signal Transmission In MIMO Wireless Systems”and filed Dec. 18, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 6C illustrates A/N transmission schemes in subframes where physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) is scheduled in more than one componentcarrier according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

When UL PUSCH transmission is scheduled in more than one UL CC insubframe n, three methods of multiplexing UL data and A/N can beconsidered. In one scheme 620 (AN multiplexing scheme 3) shown in FIG.6C, A/N is transmitted in the PUCCH in the PCC, while UL data istransmitted in the PUSCH in the scheduled UL CCs. In another scheme 630(denoted as AN multiplexing scheme 4), A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCHin one of the scheduled UL CCs, where A/N is piggybacked on the PUSCH inthe one CC according to methods proposed in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/206,455 and U.S. Non-Provisional patent applicationSer. No. 12/641,951. In another scheme 640 (denoted by AN multiplexingscheme 5), A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCHs in all the scheduled UL CCs,where A/N is piggybacked on the PUSCH in each CC according to methodsproposed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/206,455 and U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/641,951.

It is noted that AN multiplexing scheme 3 becomes identical to ANmultiplexing scheme 1 when the PUSCH is scheduled in only one UL CC. Inaddition, AN multiplexing schemes 4 and 5 become identical to ANmultiplexing scheme 2 when the PUSCH is scheduled in only one UL CC.

In AN multiplexing scheme 4, the one CC whose PUSCH would piggyback theA/N is selected by a rule. Some example rules are: (1) the CC scheduledPUSCH with the highest MCS among the UL CCs scheduled PUSCH in subframen is selected, (2) the CC with the lowest CC-ID among the UL CCsscheduled PUSCH in subframe n is selected, or (3) the CC with the lowestphysical cell ID (PCID) among the UL CCs scheduled PUSCH in subframe nis selected.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, when a UE receives one or more ULgrants that schedule PUSCH in one or more UL CCs in subframe n, the UEtransmits A/N in subframe n utilizing one fixed scheme. On the otherhand, when the UE receives no UL grants, the UE transmits A/N in thePUCCH in the UL PCC. For example, the one fixed A/N transmission schemeused when PUSCH is scheduled in one or more UL CCs in subframe n can beA/N multiplexing scheme 1, scheme 2, scheme 3, scheme 4, or scheme 5.

In one example, the one A/N transmission scheme used when PUSCH isscheduled in one or more UL CCs in subframe n is A/N multiplexing scheme1 or 3 that transmits the PUSCH and PUCCH simultaneously. In this case,in order to detect A/N from the UE, the eNodeB only needs to detectsignals in the PUCCH in the PCC. Hence, the eNodeB implementation wouldbe simpler when this scheme is selected. However, the UE may suffer fromincreased peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) as the UE transmitsmultiple UL channels simultaneously.

In another example, the one A/N transmission scheme used when the PUSCHis scheduled in one or more UL CCs in subframe n is A/N multiplexingscheme 2 or 5 that piggybacks A/N in all the scheduled PUSCHs insubframe n. In this case, in order to detect A/N from the UE, the eNodeBperforms hypothesis testing between two hypotheses: (1) A/N is conveyedin the PUCCH in the PCC and (2) A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCHs in allthe UL CCs. Hence, the eNodeB implementation would be slightly morecomplicated when this scheme is selected. However, the UE may benefitfrom decreased peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR).

In an embodiment of this disclosure, a UE receives a higher-layersignaling (radio resource control (RRC) or medium access control (MAC)).When the UE receives one or more UL grants that schedule PUSCH in one ormore UL CCs in subframe n, the UE transmits A/N utilizing an A/Nmultiplexing scheme determined by an information element (IE) conveyedin the higher-layer signaling. On the other hand, when the UE receivesno UL grants, the UE transmits A/N in PUCCH in the UL PCC.

In one example, an information element (IE), ANPiggybackConfigurationIE, is defined in the higher-layer. Depending on the signaled value ofANPiggybackConfiguration IE, the UE selects an A/N multiplexing scheme.In particular, when the UE receives one or more UL grants which schedulePUSCH in one or more UL CCs in subframe n,

-   -   when ANPiggybackConfiguration=0, the UE transmits A/N using A/N        transmission scheme 1 or 3 that transmits A/N in PUCCH in the UL        PCC; and    -   when ANPiggybackConfiguration=1, the UE transmits A/N using A/N        transmission scheme 2 or 5 that piggybacks A/N in all the        scheduled PUSCHs in subframe n.

In embodiments of this disclosure, a UE follows a rule to determine anA/N multiplexing method in a subframe. When a UE receives one or more ULgrants that schedule PUSCH in one or more UL CCs in subframe n, the UEtransmits A/N in subframe n utilizing a scheme selected according to therule. On the other hand, when the UE receives no UL grants, the UEtransmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.

In one example rule (denoted as AN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 1), the UEselects an A/N transmission scheme depending on whether the UE receivesat least one UL grant that requests a CQI report (e.g., the UL grant hasa CQI request IE=1). In particular,

-   -   when the UE receives at least one UL grant that requests a CQI        report, the UE piggybacks A/N on all the PUSCHs carrying CQI;        and    -   when the UE does not receive any UL grant that requests a CQI        report, the UE transmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.        In this case, the eNodeB can find A/N in either the PUCCH in PCC        or the PUSCH carrying CQI.

In another example rule (denoted as AN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 2), theUE selects an A/N transmission scheme depending on whether the UEreceives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL PCC. In one example(denoted as AN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 2-1) of AN Tx Scheme SelectionRule 2,

-   -   when the UE receives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL        PCC, the UE piggybacks A/N on the PUSCH scheduled in the UL PCC;        and    -   when the UE does not receive an UL grant scheduling PUSCH in the        UL PCC, the UE transmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.        In this case, the eNodeB can find A/N in either the PUCCH in the        PCC or the PUSCH transmitted in the UL PCC.

In another example rule (denoted by AN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 2-2) ofAN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 2,

-   -   when the UE receives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL        PCC, the UE transmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC; and    -   when the UE does not receive an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in        the UL PCC, the UE piggybacks A/N on all the PUSCHs scheduled        subframe n.        In this case, the eNodeB can find A/N in either the PUCCH in the        PCC or in the scheduled PUSCHs.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, a UE follows a rule to determine anA/N multiplexing method in a subframe, where the rule is based at leastpartly on a higher-layer signaling (RRC or MAC). When a UE receives oneor more UL grants that schedule the PUSCH in one or more UL CCs insubframe n, the UE transmits A/N in subframe n utilizing a schemeselected according to the rule. On the other hand, when the UE receivesno UL grants, the UE transmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.

In one example rule (denoted as AN Tx Scheme Selection Rule 3), the UEselects an A/N transmission scheme depending on whether the UE receivesan UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL PCC, and on a RRC signalingconveying an IE, such as ANPiggybackConfiguration IE. In particular,when the UE receives one or more UL grants that schedule the PUSCH inone or more UL CC in subframe n,

-   -   when the UE receives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL        PCC and ANPiggybackConfiguration=1, the UE piggybacks A/N on the        PUSCH scheduled in the UL PCC;    -   when the UE receives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in the UL        PCC and ANPiggybackConfiguration=0, the UE transmits A/N in the        PUCCH in the UL PCC;    -   when the UE does not receive an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in        the UL PCC and ANPiggybackConfiguration=1, the UE piggybacks A/N        on all the PUSCHs scheduled subframe n; and    -   when the UE does not receive an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in        the UL PCC and ANPiggybackConfiguration=0, the UE transmits A/N        in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.

In Rel-8 LTE system, CQI/PMI/RI is piggybacked on the PUSCH in twocases. In one case (denoted as case 1), a UE receives an UL grant thatrequests CQI reporting (or with CQI request=1) in subframe n−4, andtransmits CQI/PMI/RI in the scheduled PUSCH in subframe n. In the othercase (denoted by case 2), a UE receives an UL grant that does notrequest CQI reporting (or with CQI request=0) in subframe n−k while theUE is scheduled to transmit a periodic CQI/PMI/RI report in subframe nby an RRC signaling, then the UE piggybacks CQI/PMI/RI on the scheduledPUSCH in subframe n.

In case 1, a UE receives an UL grant that requests CQI reporting incarrier aggregated systems. In carrier aggregated systems, a number ofUL grants scheduling UL transmissions in a subframe can be multiple. Twosub-cases of case 1 are as follows: (1) case 1-1: a UE receives a singleUL grant that requests CQI reporting, and (2) case 1-2: a UE receivesmore than one UL grant that requests CQI reporting.

In one embodiment, a UE receives at least one UL grant scheduling thePUSCH in an UL CC that requests CQI reporting on DL CC(s) in subframen−k (where k=4 in FDD system), where each UL grant with requesting CQIreporting requests a CQI report on a number of DL CCs. In one example,an UL grant that requests CQI reporting is transmitted in DL CC i andrequests a CQI report on DL CC i. In another example, an UL grant thatrequests CQI reporting is transmitted in DL CC i and requests a CQIreport on all the activated DL CCs for the UE. In another example, an ULgrant that requests CQI reporting is transmitted in DL CC i and requestsa CQI report on all the configured DL CCs for the UE.

In one method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 1), after the UE receivesthe at least one UL grant in subframe n−k, the UE transmits a CQI reportin subframe n in each of the PUSCHs scheduled by each of the at leastone UL grant, while the UE transmits only UL data in the PUSCHsscheduled by the other UL grants, if any, that do not request CQIreporting. When an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in an UL CC requests aCQI reporting on a number of DL CCs and schedules a number of pairs ofUL PRBs larger than a threshold, e.g., 4 for a UE, the UE piggybacksCQI/PMI/RI on the number of DL CCs on the PUSCH in the UL CC accordingto methods proposed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/206,455 and U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.12/641,951. Otherwise, the UE transmits only CQI/PMI/RI in the PUSCHwithout UL data, similarly as done in Rel-8 LTE.

In one method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 1-1), a UE is configuredto receive/transmit up to 3 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1, CC2 andCC3, and receives an UL grant with CQI request=1 in CC1 only. Inparticular embodiments, both CQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on the PUSCHtransmitted in CC1, i.e., the CC carrying the PUSCH with a CQI report.However, in other embodiments, only CQI/PMI or only RI is piggybacked onthe PUSCH transmitted in the CC carrying the PUSCH with a CQI report.

In another embodiment of method 1-1, a UE is configured toreceive/transmit up to 3 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1, CC2 andCC3, and receives two UL grants with CQI request=1 in CC1 and CC2 only.In particular embodiments, both CQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on thePUSCH transmitted in each of CC1 and CC2, i.e., the CCs carrying PUSCHwith a CQI report. However, in other embodiments, only CQI/PMI or onlyRI is piggybacked on the PUSCH transmitted in the CCs carrying the PUSCHwith a CQI report.

In another method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 1-2), after the UEreceives the at least one UL grant in subframe n−k, the UE transmits aCQI report in subframe n in each of the PUSCHs scheduled by all the ULgrants scheduling the PUSCH in subframe n for the UE. When only one CQIreport is requested, the information bits for the one CQI report areindependently encoded, and the coded bits are separately mapped in allthe UL CCs. When more than one CQI report is requested, the informationbits for all the CQI reports are concatenated into one set ofinformation bits. The one set of information bits are independentlyencoded, and the coded bits are separately mapped in all the UL CCs.

In another embodiment of method 1-2, a UE is configured toreceive/transmit up to 3 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1, CC2 andCC3, and receives one UL grant with CQI request=1 in CC1 only. Inparticular embodiments, both CQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on the PUSCHtransmitted in each of CC1, CC2 and CC3, i.e., the CCs carrying PUSCH.However, in other embodiments, only CQI/PMI or only RI is piggybacked onthe PUSCH transmitted in the CCs carrying the PUSCH.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, a UE is scheduled to transmit aperiodic report CQI/PMI/RI in subframe n, which has been configured by aRRC signaling. In addition, the UE is scheduled to transmit PUSCHs in atleast one UL CCs in the same subframe n.

In one method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 2-1), the UE piggybacksCQI/PMI/RI in one of the at least one UL CCs in which the UE isscheduled to transmit the PUSCH in subframe n, according to a CCselection rule. Some examples of the CC selection rule are:

-   -   (CC selection rule 1-1) an UL CC scheduled PUSCH with a highest        MCS among the UL CCs scheduled PUSCH in subframe n is selected;    -   (CC selection rule 1-2) an UL CC scheduled PUSCH with a lowest        CC-ID among the UL CCs scheduled PUSCH in subframe n is        selected; and    -   (CC selection rule 1-3) an UL CC scheduled PUSCH with a lowest        carrier frequency among the UL CCs scheduled PUSCH in subframe n        is selected.

In an embodiment of method 2-1, a UE is configured to receive/transmitup to 3 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1, CC2 and CC3, and receivesthree UL grants in CC1, CC2 and CC3. In particular embodiments, bothCQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on the PUSCH transmitted in CC1, which isthe selected CC carrying CQI/PMI/RI piggybacked on the PUSCH accordingto a rule. However, in other embodiments, only CQI/PMI or only RI ispiggybacked on the PUSCH transmitted in the selected CC.

In another method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 2-2), the UE chooses atransmission scheme of CQI/PMI/RI in subframe n by a rule, which dependson a whether the UE receives an UL grant scheduling PUSCH in the UL PCCor not. One example rule is if the UE receives an UL grant schedulingthe PUSCH in the UL PCC in subframe n, the UE piggybacks CQI/PMI/RI inthe PUSCH in the UL PCC. Otherwise, the UE transmits CQI/PMI/RI in thePUCCH in the PCC.

In this example rule, CQI/PMI/RI is never transmitted in the secondarycomponent carriers (SCCs).

In an embodiment of method 2-2, a UE is configured to receive/transmitup to 2 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1 and CC2. When an UL grant isreceived scheduling the PUSCH in the UL PCC, CQI/PMI/RI is piggybacked.Otherwise, CQI/PMI/RI is transmitted in the PUCCH in the PCC. Inparticular embodiments, both CQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on the PUSCHin CC1, or transmitted in the PUCCH in CC1. However, in otherembodiments, only CQI/PMI or only RI is piggybacked on the PUSCH in CC1,or transmitted in the PUCCH in CC1. Furthermore, in particularembodiments, it is assumed that A/N is transmitted as in the same way asCQI/PMI/RI is transmitted, i.e., if there is an UL grant scheduling thePUSCH in the UL PCC, A/N is piggybacked in the PUSCH transmitted in theUL PCC. Otherwise, A/N is transmitted in the PUCCH in the UL PCC.However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other A/Nmultiplexing schemes can also be used for A/N multiplexing.

When one or two A/N bits and CQI/PMI/RI are multiplexed in the PUCCH inthe UL PCC, PUCCH format 2b is used for the multiplexing of A/N andCQI/PMI/RI according to Rel-8 LTE method. On the other hand, when anumber of A/N bits to be transmitted is three or four, again PUCCHformat 2b structure is used for multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI and A/N, havingfive SC-FDM symbols for CQI/PMI/RI and two SC-FDM symbols for A/N ineach slot of a subframe. However, each slot carries one QPSK symbolconveying two A/N bits (denoted by PUCCH format 2c): two A/N bits areQPSK-modulated, and the QPSK symbol is multiplied to the DM RS sequencetransmitted in the second DM RS SC-FDM symbol in the first slot ofsubframe n. The other two A/N bits are QPSK-modulated, and the QPSKsymbol is multiplied to the DM RS sequence transmitted in the second DMRS SC-FDM symbol in the second slot of subframe n.

In another method of multiplexing CQI/PMI/RI transmissions and UL datatransmissions in subframe n (denoted as method 2-3), the UE piggybacksCQI/PMI/RI in all of the at least one UL CCs in which the UE isscheduled to transmit the PUSCH in subframe n.

In an embodiment of method 2-3, a UE is configured to receive/transmitup to 3 DL-UL pairs of aggregated CCs, CC1, CC2 and CC3, and receivesthree UL grants in CC1, CC2 and CC3. In particular embodiments, bothCQI/PMI and RI are piggybacked on the PUSCHs transmitted in CC1, CC2 andCC3, which are all the CCs carrying the PUSCH with piggybackingCQI/PMI/RI. However, in other embodiments, only CQI/PMI or only RI ispiggybacked on the PUSCH transmitted in each of these CCs.

In embodiments of this disclosure, a UE selects a PUSCH carrying datawith the highest spectral efficiency among PUSCHs scheduled in asubframe, and piggybacks UCI (CQI/PMI/RI/HARQ-ACK) only in the selectedPUSCH. In particular embodiments, to determine the PUSCH with thehighest spectral efficiency, the UE first reads UL grants schedulingPUSCHs in the subframe, and determines the transmission ranks,modulation formats and TB sizes of the scheduled PUSCHs. Thetransmission rank refers to a number of streams (or DMRS antenna ports,or layers) to be transmitted in a subframe by a UE. The UE thendetermines the PUSCH with the highest spectral efficiency based at leastpartly upon a rule.

In one example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH with the highest rank, amongall the scheduled PUSCHs in the subframe.

When there are multiple PUSCHs with the same highest rank, atie-breaking rule is used. Some example tie-breaking rules are:

-   -   the UE selects a PUSCH carried in a CC with the smallest CC ID,        among all the PUSCHs with the highest rank;    -   the UE selects a PUSCH carried in a CC with the smallest carrier        frequency, among all the PUSCHs with the highest rank;    -   the UE selects a PUSCH carried in a PCC if PCC has an UL grant        in the subframe;    -   the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largest number of        information bits per physical resource block (PRB), among all        the PUSCHs with the highest rank. In a particular embodiment,        the number of information bits per PRB carried in a PUSCH is a        sum of at most two TB sizes corresponding to at most two TBs,        divided by the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs). In        other words, the number of information bits per PRB carried in        PUSCH i is calculated as shown in Equation 9 below:        (# of info bits per PRB)i=((TB_Size1)i+(TB_Size2)i)/(# of        PRBs)i  [Eqn. 9]        where the UE selects a PUSCH carrying a CW with the largest        number of information bits per PRB, among all the PUSCHs with        the highest rank. In a particular embodiment, the number of        information bits in a CW per PRB carried in a PUSCH is a TB size        corresponding to a CW, divided by the number of PRBs. In other        words, the number of information bits in CW q per PRB carried in        PUSCH i is calculated as shown in Equation 10 below:        (# of info bits per PRB)qi=(TB_Size)qi/(# of PRBs)qi.  [Eqn. 10]

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largestnumber of information bits per PRB, among all the scheduled PUSCHs inthe subframe. In a particular embodiment, the number of information bitsper PRB carried in a PUSCH is a sum of two TB sizes corresponding to twoTBs, divided by the number of PRBs. In other words, the number ofinformation bits per PRB carried in PUSCH i is calculated as shown inEquation 11 below:(# of info bits per PRB)i=((TB_Size1)i+(TB_Size2)i)/(# of PRBs)i.  [Eqn.11]

In another example rule, the UE selects a CW (or a TB) with the highestinitial MCS and a PUSCH carrying the CW, among all the CWs (or TBs) tobe transmitted in the subframe.

When a PUSCH is selected for UCI multiplexing, CQI/PMI and HARQ-ACK/RIare multiplexed with the UL-SCH in the PUSCH, according to a method.

In one example method, CQI/PMI is carried in a CW in the PUSCH with ahigher initial-transmission MCS, and HARQ-ACK/RI is carried in all theCWs in the PUSCH.

In another example method, CQI/PMI is carried in a fixed CW (e.g., afirst CW, or CW 0) in the PUSCH, and HARQ-ACK/RI is carried in all theCWs in the PUSCH.

In one example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH with the highest rank, amongall the scheduled PUSCHs in the subframe. This can be described byEquation 12 below, where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max r(k),  [Eqn. 12]where r(k) is a transmission rank (or a number of transmission layers)of the PUSCH k.

Other examples of tie-breaking rules are:

-   -   the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largest number of        information bits per resource element (RE) in all the        transmission layers, among all the scheduled PUSCHs in the        subframe. In a particular embodiment, the number of information        bits per RE in all the transmission layers carried in a PUSCH is        a sum of two TB sizes corresponding to two TBs, divided by the        total number of REs in each transmission layer. In other words,        the number of information bits per RE in all the transmission        layers carried in PUSCH k is calculated as shown in Equation 13        below:

$\begin{matrix}{{\left( {\#{of}\mspace{14mu}{info}\mspace{14mu}{bits}\mspace{14mu}{per}\mspace{14mu}{RE}\mspace{14mu}{in}{\mspace{11mu}\;}{all}\mspace{14mu}{transmission}\mspace{14mu}{layers}} \right)_{k} = \frac{{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{1} - 1}{K_{r,1}(k)}} + {\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{2} - 1}{K_{r,2}(k)}}}{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 13} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where the number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-intial)(k), thenumber of codeblocks in TB1 and TB2 C₁ (k) and C₂ (k), and the number ofinformation bits in the r-th codeblock in TB1 and TB2, K_(r,1)(k) andK_(r,2)(k) are obtained from the initial PDCCH for the same transportblock; and

-   -   the UE selects a PUSCH carrying a CW with the largest number of        information bits per RE in all the transmission layers        corresponding to the CW, among all the PUSCHs with the highest        rank. In a particular embodiment, the number of information bits        in a CW per RE in all the transmission layers corresponding to        the CW is a TB size corresponding to the CW, divided by the        total number of REs in each transmission layer. In other words,        the number of information bits in CW q per RE carried in PUSCH k        is calculated as shown in Equation 14 below:

$\begin{matrix}{\left( {\#{of}\mspace{14mu}{info}\mspace{14mu}{bits}\mspace{14mu}{per}\mspace{14mu}{RE}\mspace{14mu}{in}{\mspace{11mu}\;}{all}\mspace{14mu}{transmission}\mspace{14mu}{layers}\mspace{14mu}{in}\mspace{14mu}{CW}_{q}} \right)_{k} = {\frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{q} - 1}{K_{q,1}(k)}}{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}}.}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 14} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largestnumber of information bits per RE in all the transmission layers, amongall the scheduled PUSCHs in the subframe. This can be described byEquation 15 below, where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max SE(k),  [Eqn. 15]where SE(k) is a number of information bits per RE in all thetransmission layers of PUSCH k.

In a particular embodiment, the number of information bits per RE in allthe transmission layers carried in a PUSCH is a sum of up to two TBsizes corresponding to two TBs, divided by the number of REs in eachtransmission layer. In other words, the number of information bits perRE in all the transmission layers carried in PUSCH k is calculated asshown in Equation 16 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{{SE}(k)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{q = 1}^{N_{CW}{(k)}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{q} - 1}{K_{r,q}(k)}}}{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 16} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where the number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-initial)(k), thenumber of codeblocks in TB1 and TB2 C₁(k) and C₂ (k), and the number ofinformation bits in the r-th codeblock in TB1 and TB2, and K_(r,1)(k)and K_(r,2) (k) are obtained from the initial PDCCH for the sametransport block. N_(CW)(k) is the number of TBs (or CWs) in PUSCH k.

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largestaverage number of information bits per RE, averaged over all thetransmission layers, among all the scheduled PUSCHs in the subframe. Ina particular embodiment, this can be described by Equation 17 below,where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max SE′(k),  [Eqn. 17]where SE′(k) is an average number of information bits per RE of PUSCH k.

In a particular embodiment, the average number of information bits perRE carried in a PUSCH is a sum of up to two TB sizes corresponding totwo TBs, divided by the total number of REs in all the transmissionlayers. In other words, the average number of information bits per REcarried in PUSCH k is calculated as shown in Equation 18 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{{SE}^{\prime}(k)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{q = 1}^{N_{CW}{(k)}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{q} - 1}{K_{r,q}(k)}}}{{N_{L}(k)} \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 18} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where the number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-initial)(k), thenumber of codeblocks in TB1 and TB2 C₁ (k) and C₂ (k), and the number ofinformation bits in the r-th codeblock in TB1 and TB2, K_(r,1)(k) andK_(r,2) (k) are obtained from the initial PDCCH for the same transportblock. N_(CW)(k) is the number of TBs (or CWs), and N_(L)(k) is thenumber of transmission layers (or transmission rank) in PUSCH k.

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH whose average MCS is thelargest. In a particular embodiment, this can be described by Equation19 below, where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max MCS _(avg)(k),  [Eqn. 19]where MCS_(avg) (k) is obtained by taking the average of up to twoinitial MCS's corresponding to up to two TBs carried in PUSCH k.

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH whose sum MCS is thelargest. In a particular embodiment, this can be described by Equation20 below, where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max MCS _(sum)(k),  [Eqn. 20]where MCS_(sum)(k) is obtained by taking the sum of up to two initialMCS's corresponding to up to two TBs carried in PUSCH k.

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH carrying a CW with thelargest number of information bits per RE in all the transmission layerscorresponding to the CW, among all the PUSCHs with the highest rank. Ina particular embodiment, this can be described by Equation 21 below,where k* is the index of the PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max_(k) SE(k,q),  [Eqn. 21]where SE (k,q) is a number of information bits per RE in all thetransmission layers corresponding to a CW of PUSCH k.

In a particular embodiment, the number of information bits in a CW perRE in all the transmission layers corresponding to the CW is a TB sizecorresponding to the CW, divided by the total number of REs in eachtransmission layer. In other words, the number of information bits in CWq per PRB carried in PUSCH k is calculated as shown in Equation 22below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{{SE}\left( {k,q} \right)} = \frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{q} - 1}{K_{r,q}(k)}}{{N_{L}(k)} \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 22} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

In another example rule, the UE selects a PUSCH carrying the largestnumber of information bits per RE summed over all the transmissionlayers. In particular embodiments, the number of bits per RE summed overall the transmission layers are calculated as follows:

Option 1: (# of information bits per RE summed over all the layers)i=(N_(L1)SE₁+N_(L2)SE₂)_(i), where N_(L1) and N_(L2) are numbers oflayers corresponding to CW0 (or TB1) and CW1 (TB2), respectively, andSE₁ and SE₂ are the spectral efficiency per layer calculated through theinitial MCS's for TB1 and TB2. For example, SE₁ is calculated as shownin Equation 23 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{SE}_{1} = \frac{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{1} - 1}K_{r,1}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 23} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where the number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-intial), the numberof codeblocks in TB1 C₁, and the number of information bits in the r-thcodeblock in TB1 K_(r,1) are obtained from the initial PDCCH for thesame transport block.

Option 2: (# of information bits per RE summed over all the CWs)i=(SE₁+SE₂)₁, where SE₁ and SE₂ are the spectral efficiency per layercalculated through the initial MCS's for TB1 and TB2. For example, SE₁is calculated as shown in Equation 24 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{SE}_{1} = \frac{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}} \cdot N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{1} - 1}K_{r,1}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 24} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

where the number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-initial), thenumber of codeblocks in TB1 C₁, and the number of information bits inthe r-th codeblock in TB1 K_(r,1) are obtained from the initial PDCCHfor the same transport block.

Option 2 is motivated from the observation that CW1 and CW2 would alwaysuse the same transmission power under the agreed LTE-A UL MIMO codebook.

In another example rule, the UE selects a CW (or a TB) with the highestinitial MCS and a PUSCH carrying the CW, among all the CWs (or TBs) tobe transmitted in the subframe.

When a PUSCH is selected for UCI multiplexing, CQI/PMI and HARQ-ACK/RIare multiplexed with the UL-SCH in the PUSCH, according to a method.

In one example method, CQI/PMI is carried in a CW in the PUSCH with ahigher initial-transmission MCS. HARQ-ACK/RI is carried in all the CWsin the PUSCH.

In another example method, CQI/PMI is carried in a fixed CW (e.g., afirst CW, or CW 0) in the PUSCH. HARQ-ACK/RI is carried in all the CWsin the PUSCH.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, a UE selects a PUSCH that would usethe least number of REs for HARQ-ACK (or alternatively, RI), andpiggybacks UCI (CQI/PMI/RI/HARQ-ACK) only in the selected PUSCH.Particular embodiments can be described by Equation 25 below, where k*is the index of PUSCH to carry UCI:k*=arg max Q′(k),  [Eqn. 25]where Q′(k) is the number of REs that would be used for HARQ-ACK (oralternatively RI), in case PUSCH k is selected for UCI transmission. Incalculating Q′(k) for each scheduled PUSCH, the UE assumes a common UCIpayload and a common UCI type. In one example, the UE assumes 1-bitHARQ-ACK for the calculation. In another example, the UE assumes O-bitHARQ-ACK, where O is the number of HARQ-ACK bits to be transported inthe subframe.

In a particular embodiment, when PUSCH k is commanded to perform SIMOtransmission by a corresponding UL grant, the number of REs carryingO-bit HARQ-ACK is calculated as shown in Equation 26 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\begin{matrix}{O \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {\beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}(k)}}\end{matrix}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r}(k)}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 26} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

In particular embodiments, β_(offset) ^(PUSCH)(k)=β_(offset)^(HARQ-ACK)(k), which is determined according to 3GPP TechnicalSpecification No. 36.213, version 8.5.0, “E-UTRA, Physical LayerProcedures,” December 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-initial)(k), the numberof codeblocks in the transmitted TB C(k), and the number of informationbits in the r-th codeblock K_(r)(k) are obtained from the initial PDCCHfor the same transport block.

When PUSCH k is commanded to do MIMO transmission (or 2-TB or 2-CWtransmission) by a corresponding UL grant, the number of REs to carryO-bit HARQ-ACK or RI is calculated according to a method. Some examplemethods are listed below.

Method 1: The number of REs Q′(k) is the total number of REs to be usedfor O-bit HARQ-ACK or RI, calculated by summing up all the HARQ-ACK orRI REs across all the transmission layers. Assuming that Q′_(layer) (k)is the number of REs to be used for HARQ-ACK in one layer, the totalnumber of REs Q′(k) is Q′(k)=N_(L)(k)Q′_(layer)(k). Some example optionsare listed below.

Option 1-1 as shown in Equation 27 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {{N_{L}(k)}{\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\begin{matrix}{O \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {\beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}(k)}}\end{matrix}}{{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{1}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,1}(k)}} + {\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{2}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,2}(k)}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 27} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where β_(offset) ^(PUSCH)(k)=β_(offset) ^(HARQ-ACK)(k), which isdetermined according to 3GPP Technical Specification No. 36.213, version8.5.0, “E-UTRA, Physical Layer Procedures,” December 2008, which isincorporated herein by reference.

The number of PUSCH subcarriers M_(SC) ^(PUSCH-initial)(k), the numberof codeblocks in TB1 and TB2 C₁(k) and C₂ (k), and the number ofinformation bits in the r-th codeblock in TB1 and TB2, K_(r,1)(k) andK_(r,2)(k) are obtained from the initial PDCCH for the same transportblock. N_(L)(k) is the total number of transmission layers (ortransmission rank) in the PUSCH k.

Option 1-2 as shown in Equation 28 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {{N_{L}(k)}{\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\begin{matrix}{O \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {\beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}(k)}}\end{matrix}}{\frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{1}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,1}(k)}}{\beta_{{offset},{{TB}\; 1}}^{PUSCH}(k)} + \frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{2}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,2}(k)}}{\beta_{{offset},{{TB}\; 2}}^{PUSCH}(k)}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}}},} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 28} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where β_(offset) ^(PUSCH)(k)=β_(offset,TB1) ^(HARQ-ACK)(k), andβ_(offset,TB2) ^(PUSCH)(k)=β_(offset,TB2) ^(HARQ-ACK)(k), each of whichis determined according to 3GPP Technical Specification No. 36.213,version 8.5.0, “E-UTRA, Physical Layer Procedures,” December 2008, whichis incorporated herein by reference.

Option 1-3 as shown in Equation 29 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {{N_{L}(k)}{\min\left( {\left\lceil {\frac{\begin{matrix}{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}\end{matrix}}{{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N_{CW}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{n} - 1}K_{r}}} + {O \cdot \beta_{offset}}}{O \cdot \beta_{offset}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 29} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where β_(offset) can be dependent on rank.

Method 2: The number of REs Q′(k) is the number of REs to be used forO-bit HARQ-ACK or RI in each transmission layer. This method ismotivated because the total number of HARQ-ACK REs transmitted with fullpower equals the number in each layer. Assuming that Q′_(layer)(k) isthe number of REs to be used for HARQ-ACK in one layer, the total numberof REs Q′(k) is Q′(k)=Q′_(layer)(k).

Option 2-1 as shown in Equation 30 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {\min{\quad{\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\begin{matrix}{O \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {\beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}(k)}}\end{matrix}}{{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{1}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,1}(k)}} + {\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{2}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,2}(k)}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right).}}}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 30} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

Option 2-2 as shown in Equation 31 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {{\min\left( {\left\lceil \frac{\begin{matrix}{O \cdot {M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot {\beta_{offset}^{PUSCH}(k)}}\end{matrix}}{\frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{1}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,1}(k)}}{\beta_{{offset},{{TB}\; 1}}^{PUSCH}(k)} + \frac{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{{C_{2}{(k)}} - 1}{K_{r,2}(k)}}{\beta_{{offset},{{TB}\; 2}}^{PUSCH}(k)}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}.}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 31} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

Option 2-3 as shown in Equation 32 below:

$\begin{matrix}{{Q^{\prime}(k)} = {\min\left( {\left\lceil {\frac{\begin{matrix}{{M_{sc}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)} \cdot} \\{N_{symb}^{{PUSCH}\text{-}{initial}}(k)}\end{matrix}}{{\sum\limits_{n = 1}^{N_{CW}}{\sum\limits_{r = 0}^{C_{n} - 1}K_{r}}} + {O \cdot \beta_{offset}}}{O \cdot \beta_{offset}}} \right\rceil,{4 \cdot {M_{sc}^{PUSCH}(k)}}} \right)}} & \left\lbrack {{Eqn}.\mspace{14mu} 32} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$where β_(offset) can be dependent on rank.

Note that the Q′(k) calculated according to Method 2 is 1/N_(L) (k) ofthe Q′(k) calculated according to Method 1.

When an aperiodic CQI report is requested for a subframe for a UE, theUE transmits CQI/PMI/RI in a PUSCH scheduled by an UL grant. When aperiodic CQI reporting is scheduled in the same subframe, the periodicCQI report would have redundant information, and hence it is proposedthat the UE drop the periodic CQI reporting and transmit aperiodic CQIreporting only. On the other hand, when A/N feedback is scheduled in thesame subframe, it is not desired to drop A/N as A/N carries importantinformation used for HARQ process. Two options of transmitting A/N canbe considered: (option 1) A/N is piggybacked in a PUSCH, or (option 2)A/N is transmitted in the PUCCH in the UL PCC. When option 2 is used,some negative impacts can arise, such as peak-to-average power ratio(PAPR) may increase, and/or intermodulation distortion (IMD) may worsen.When option 1 is used, data throughput can be reduced as some of thedata REs are overwritten with A/N modulation symbols. Considering thepros and cons of option 1 and option 2, a few methods are provided toinstruct a UE to switch between these two options.

When no aperiodic CQI reports are requested for a subframe for a UE, theUE can have A/N and/or periodic CQI/PMI/RI to transmit in the subframe.When there is no PUSCH grants for the subframe, the UE sends A/N and/orperiodic CQI/PMI/RI in PUCCH in the PCC. However, there is at least onePUSCH grant for the subframe. Two options of transmitting A/N and/orperiodic CQI/PMI/RI can be considered: (option 1) A/N and/or periodicCQI/PMI/RI is piggybacked in a PUSCH, or (option 2) A/N and/orCQI/PMI/RI is transmitted in the PUCCH in the PCC. When option 2 isused, some negative impacts can arise, such as peak-to-average powerratio (PAPR) may increase, and/or intermodulation distortion (IMD) mayworsen. When option 1 is used, data throughput can be reduced as some ofthe data REs are overwritten with A/N modulation symbols. Consideringthe pros and cons of option 1 and option 2, a few methods are providedto instruct a UE to switch between these two options.

In this disclosure, for UCI multiplexing in the PUSCH in carrieraggregations, the following three methods are considered.

In one method (denoted as method 1), PUSCH+PUCCH is not configured. Insuch an embodiment, UCI is piggybacked on only one PUSCH.

In another method (denoted as method 2), PUSCH+PUCCH is configured, andthe PUSCH+PUCCH configuration is followed. In such an embodiment, UCI isseparately transmitted in the PUCCH, and only UL-SCH data is transmittedin the PUSCH.

In another method (denoted by method 3), PUSCH+PUCCH is configured, andthe PUSCH+PUCCH configuration is overridden. In such an embodiment, ifan UL primary component carrier (UL PCC) has a PUSCH grant, UCI isseparately transmitted in the PUCCH in the PCC, and only UL-SCH data istransmitted in the PUSCH in the PCC. If the UL PCC does not have a PUSCHgrant and at least one UL SCC has a PUSCH grant, UCI is piggybacked ononly one PUSCH scheduled in one of the at least one UL SCC.

In embodiments of this disclosure, a RRC signaling indicates one methodout of at least two methods from the above three methods. In particularembodiments, a RRC IE used for this indication is denoted asUCIPiggybackConfiguration IE. UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE determineshow a UE transmits UCI when UCI and data are simultaneously scheduled inthe same subframe.

In one example, UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE indicates one methodbetween two methods as shown in TABLE 1 below:

TABLE 1 UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE UCI multiplexing method 0 method 11 method 2

In another example, UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE indicates one methodbetween three methods as shown in TABLE 2 below:

TABLE 2 UCIPiggybackCanfiguration IE UCI multiplexing method 0 method 11 method 2 2 method 3

In one example, UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE indicates one methodbetween two methods as shown in TABLE 3 below:

TABLE 3 UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE UCI multiplexing method 0 method 11 method 3

An embodiment is considered where method 1 is indicated by the RRCsignaling, i.e., UCI piggyback on only one PUSCH, or where the RRC doesnot convey UCIPiggybackConfiguration IE to a UE. In such an embodiment,if the UE receives one UL grant with CQI request=1 scheduling a PUSCHand an aperiodic CQI report in an UL CC in a subframe, the UE wouldpiggyback UCI on the PUSCH to carry an aperiodic CQI report in the UL CCin the subframe. If the UE does not receive any UL grants with CQIrequest=1 but the UE receives an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the ULPCC, the UE piggybacks UCI in the PUSCH in the UL PCC. If the UEreceives neither any UL grants with CQI request=1 nor an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC, the UE piggybacks UCI in the PUSCH inone of the UL SCCs to carry PUSCH in the subframe, according to a rule.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 of operating a user equipment orsubscriber station according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, a UE receives one or more UL grants scheduling thePUSCH in the UL CC i for subframe n (block 701). The UE determines ifonly one of the UL grants for subframe n has a CQI-request with aparticular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block 703). If the UEdetermines that one or more of the UL grants have a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE piggybacks A/N with an aperiodic channel stateinformation (CSI) report transmitted in the PUSCH in UL CC i (block705). The CSI report contains, for example, CQI/PMI/RI information. OnlyUL CC i will be used for UCI transmission. If a periodic CSI report isscheduled in the same subframe as the aperiodic CSI report, the UE dropsthe periodic CSI report. CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

If the UE determines that none of the UL grants have a CQI-request withthe particular value, the UE determines if an UL grant scheduling aPUSCH in the UL PCC has been received (block 707). If an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been received, the UE piggybacksA/N and/or periodic CSI on the PUSCH in the PCC (block 709). Only the ULPCC will be used for CSI transmission. CSI is not transmitted anywhereelse.

If an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not been received,the UE piggybacks A/N and/or periodic CSI on a PUSCH in one of the ULSCCs having PUSCH scheduled, where the SCC is selected according to arule, e.g., highest MCS, smallest UL CC number, smallest carrierfrequency UL CC, etc. (block 711). CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of operating a user equipment orsubscriber station according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, a UE receives one or more UL grants scheduling thePUSCH in the UL CC i for subframe n (block 801). The UE determines ifonly one of the UL grants for subframe n has a CQI-request with aparticular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block 803). If the UEdetermines that only one of the UL grants has a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE piggybacks A/N with an aperiodic CSI reporttransmitted in the PUSCH in UL CC i (block 805). Only UL CC i will beused for CSI transmission. If a periodic CSI report is scheduled in thesame subframe as the aperiodic CSI report, the UE drops the periodic CSIreport. CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

If the UE determines that none of the UL grants have a CQI-request withthe particular value, the UE determines if an UL grant scheduling aPUSCH in the UL PCC has been received (block 807). If an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been received, the UE piggybacksA/N and/or a periodic CSI report on the PUSCH in the PCC (block 809).Only the UL PCC will be used for CSI transmission. CSI is nottransmitted anywhere else.

If an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not been received,the UE transmits A/N and/or a periodic CSI report in a PUCCH in the ULPCC (block 811). CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

An embodiment is considered where method 2 is indicated by the RRCsignaling, i.e., UCI or CSI is separately transmitted in the PUCCH andonly the UL-SCH data is transmitted in PUSCHs. If the UE receives one ULgrant with CQI request=1 scheduling a PUSCH and an aperiodic CSI reportin an UL CC in a subframe, two UE behaviors can be considered. In oneoption, the UE transmits CSI in the PUCCH in the UL PCC. In anotheroption, the UE piggybacks CSI on the PUSCH to carry an aperiodic CSIreport in the UL CC in the subframe. If the UE does not receive any ULgrants with CQI request=1 but receives an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH inthe UL PCC, the UE transmits UCI or CSI in the PUCCH in the UL PCC. Ifthe UE receives neither any UL grants with CQI request=1 nor an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC, the UE piggybacks UCI or CSI in thePUSCH in one of the UL SCCs to carry the PUSCH in the subframe accordingto a rule.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 of operating a user equipment orsubscriber station according to yet another embodiment of thisdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 9, a UE receives one or more UL grants scheduling thePUSCH in the UL CC i for subframe n (block 901). The UE determines ifonly one of the UL grants for subframe n has a CQI-request with aparticular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block 903). If the UEdetermines that only one of the UL grants have a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE piggybacks an aperiodic CSI report on a PUSCHscheduled by an UL grant with a CQI-request with the particular value,and transmits A/N in a PUCCH in the PCC (block 905). If a periodic CSIreport is scheduled in the same subframe as the aperiodic CSI report,the UE drops the periodic CSI report. CSI is not transmitted anywhereelse.

If the UE determines that none of the UL grants have a CQI-request withthe particular value, the UE determines if an UL grant scheduling aPUSCH in the UL PCC has been received (block 907). If an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been received, the UE transmits A/Nand/or a periodic CSI report on a PUCCH in the UL PCC (block 909). CSIis not transmitted anywhere else.

If an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not been received,the UE piggybacks A/N and/or a periodic CSI report on a PUSCH in one ofthe UL SCCs having PUSCH scheduled, where the SCC is selected accordingto a rule, e.g., highest MCS, smallest UL CC number, smallest carrierfrequency UL CC, etc. (block 911). CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 of operating a user equipment orsubscriber station according to a further embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 10, a UE receives one or more UL grants scheduling thePUSCH in the UL CC i for subframe n (block 1001). The UE determines ifonly one of the UL grants for subframe n have a CQI-request with aparticular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block 1003). If the UEdetermines that only one of the UL grants have a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE piggybacks A/N and aperiodic CSI report on aPUSCH scheduled by an UL grant with a CQI-request with the particularvalue (block 1005). If a periodic CSI report is scheduled in the samesubframe as the aperiodic CSI report, the UE drops the periodic CSIreport. CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

If the UE determines that none of the UL grants have a CQI-request withthe particular value, the UE determines if an UL grant scheduling aPUSCH in the UL PCC has been received (block 1007). If an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been received, the UE transmits A/Nand/or a periodic CSI report on a PUCCH in the UL PCC (block 1009). CSIis not transmitted anywhere else.

If an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not been received,the UE piggybacks A/N and/or a periodic CSI report on a PUSCH in one ofthe UL SCCs having PUSCH scheduled, where the SCC is selected accordingto a rule, e.g., highest MCS, smallest UL CC number, smallest carrierfrequency UL CC, etc. (block 1011). CSI is not transmitted anywhereelse.

An embodiment is considered where method 3 is indicated by the RRCsignaling. If the PCC has an UL grant, CSI or UCI is separatelytransmitted in the PUCCH and only UL-SCH data is transmitted in a PUSCHin the PCC. Otherwise, CSI or UCI is piggybacked on one of the PUSCHstransmitted in the SCCs. If the UE receives an UL grant with CQIrequest=1 scheduling a PUSCH and an aperiodic CSI report in the UL PCCin a subframe, the UE transmits A/N in the PUCCH in the UL PCC. If theUE receives an UL grant with CQI request=1 scheduling a PUSCH and anaperiodic CSI report in an UL SCC in a subframe, the UE piggybacks A/Nin the PUSCH in the UL SCC. If the UE does not receive any UL grantswith CQI request=1 but receives an UL grant scheduling the PUSCH in theUL PCC, the UE transmits CSI or UCI in the PUCCH in the UL PCC. If theUE receives neither any UL grants with CQI request=1 nor an UL grantscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC, the UE piggybacks CSI in the PUSCH inone of the UL SCCs to carry the PUSCH in the subframe according to arule.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 of operating a user equipment orsubscriber station according to yet a further embodiment of thisdisclosure.

As shown in FIG. 11, a UE receives one or more UL grants scheduling thePUSCH in the UL CC i for subframe n (block 1101). The UE determines ifonly one of the UL grants for subframe n have a CQI-request with aparticular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block 1103). If the UEdetermines that only one of the UL grants have a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE determines if the UL grant with a CQI-requesthaving the particular value is for scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC(block 1105).

If the UL grant with a CQI-request having the particular value is forscheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC (block 1105), the UE piggybacks anaperiodic CSI report on a PUSCH scheduled by an UL grant with aCQI-request with the particular value, and transmits A/N in a PUCCH inthe PCC (block 1107). If a periodic CSI report is scheduled in the samesubframe as the aperiodic CSI report, the UE drops the periodic CSIreport. CSI is not transmitted anywhere else.

If there are no UL grants with a CQI-request having the particular valueare for scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC (block 1105), the UE piggybacksA/N and an aperiodic CSI report on a PUSCH scheduled by an UL grant witha CQI-request with the particular value (block 1109). If a periodic CSIreport is scheduled in the same subframe as the aperiodic CSI report,the UE drops the periodic CSI report. CSI is not transmitted anywhereelse.

If none of the UL grants for subframe n have a CQI-request with theparticular value, the UE determines if an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH inthe UL PCC has been received (block 1111). If an UL grant scheduling aPUSCH in the UL PCC has been received, the UE transmits A/N and/or aperiodic CSI report on a PUCCH in the UL PCC (block 1113). CSI is nottransmitted anywhere else.

If an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not been received,the UE piggybacks A/N and/or a periodic CSI report on a PUSCH in one ofthe UL SCCs having PUSCH scheduled, where the SCC is selected accordingto a rule, e.g., highest MCS, smallest UL CC number, smallest carrierfrequency UL CC, etc. (block 1115). CSI is not transmitted anywhereelse.

In embodiments of this disclosure, a UE piggybacks A/N on the PUSCHwhere an aperiodic CSI report is transmitted whenever there is an ULgrant with CQI request=1, regardless of whetherUCIPiggybackConfiguration IE is RRC-signalled or not.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 of operating an eNodeB or base stationaccording to an embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 12, a base station selects one of a first uplinkcontrol information (UCI) multiplexing method that allows a subscriberstation to simultaneously transmit physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a second UCImultiplexing method that does not allow the subscriber station tosimultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH, transmits a higher layer signalindicating the one selected UCI multiplexing method to the subscriberstation, and transmits one or more uplink grants to the subscriberstation (block 1201). Each of the one or more uplink grants schedules aPUSCH in an uplink component carrier (UL CC) for a subframe n to thesubscriber station, and each of the one or more uplink grants carries achannel quality information (CQI) request.

If only one UL grant of the one or more uplink grants for subframe n hasa CQI-request with a particular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block1203), the base station receives A/N piggybacked with an aperiodic CSIreport transmitted in the PUSCH in UL CC i by the subscriber station(block 1205).

If the UL grant does not have a CQI-request with the particular value,and if an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been transmittedby the base station to the subscriber station (block 1207), the basestation receives A/N and/or a periodic CSI report piggybacked on thePUSCH in the PCC from the subscriber station (block 1209).

If the UL grant does not have a CQI-request with the particular value,and if an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not beentransmitted by the base station to the subscriber station (block 1207),the base station receives A/N and/or a periodic CSI report piggybackedon a PUSCH in one of the UL SCCs having PUSCH scheduled from thesubscriber station, where the SCC is selected according to a rule, e.g.,highest MCS, smallest UL CC number, smallest carrier frequency UL CC,etc. (block 1211).

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 of operating an eNodeB or base stationaccording to another embodiment of this disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 13, a base station selects one of a first uplinkcontrol information (UCI) multiplexing method that allows a subscriberstation to simultaneously transmit physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) and physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a second UCImultiplexing method that does not allow the subscriber station tosimultaneously transmit PUSCH and PUCCH, transmits a higher layer signalindicating the one selected UCI multiplexing method to the subscriberstation, and transmits one or more uplink grants to the subscriberstation (block 1301). Each of the one or more uplink grants schedules aPUSCH in an uplink component carrier (UL CC) for a subframe n to thesubscriber station, and each of the one or more uplink grants carries achannel quality information (CQI) request.

If only one UL grant of the one or more uplink grants for subframe n hasa CQI-request with a particular value, such as 1, 01, 10, or 11 (block1303), the base station receives A/N and an aperiodic CSI reportpiggybacked on a PUSCH scheduled by the UL grant from the subscriberstation (block 1305).

If the UL grant does not have a CQI-request with the particular value,and if an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has been transmittedby the base station (block 1307), the base station receives A/N and/or aperiodic CSI report on a PUCCH in the UL PCC from the subscriber station(block 1309).

If the UL grant does not have a CQI-request with the particular value,and if an UL grant scheduling a PUSCH in the UL PCC has not beentransmitted by the base station (block 1307), the base station receivesA/N and/or a periodic CSI report piggybacked on a PUSCH in one of the ULSCCs having PUSCH scheduled from the subscriber station, where the SCCis selected according to a rule, e.g., highest MCS, smallest UL CCnumber, smallest carrier frequency UL CC, etc. (block 1311).

Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplaryembodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to oneskilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompasssuch changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for transmitting uplink controlinformation (UCI) in a communication system, the method comprising:identifying radio resource control (RRC) signaling for UCI transmission;receiving a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a subframepreceding a subframe n; identifying a physical uplink shared channel(PUSCH) of at least one carrier in the subframe n; and when the RRCsignaling indicates a first value, transmitting acknowledgement/negativeacknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information for the PDSCH on a physicaluplink control channel (PUCCH) of a primary carrier in the subframe nand transmitting data on the PUSCH of at least one carrier in thesubframe n.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when the RRCsignaling indicates a second value, transmitting the ACK/NACKinformation for the PDSCH and the data on the PUSCH of at least onecarrier in the subframe n.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the datacomprises channel quality information (CQI).
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the CQI is transmitted on a PUSCH of the primary carrier in thesubframe n, if the PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n isidentified.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the CQI is transmitted ona PUSCH of a secondary carrier having a smallest carrier number in thesubframe n, if a PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is notidentified and at least one PUSCH of at least one secondary carrier inthe subframe n is identified.
 6. An apparatus for transmitting uplinkcontrol information (UCI) in a communication system, the apparatuscomprising: a controller configured to identify radio resource control(RRC) signaling for UCI transmission; a receiver configured to receive aphysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a subframe preceding asubframe n, wherein the controller is configured to identify a physicaluplink shared channel (PUSCH) of at least one carrier in the subframe n;and a transmitter configured to: when the RRC signaling indicates afirst value, transmit acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement(ACK/NACK) information for the PDSCH on a physical uplink controlchannel (PUCCH) of a primary carrier in the subframe n and transmit dataon the PUSCH of at least one carrier in the subframe n.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6, wherein transmitter is configured, when the RRC signalingindicates a second value, to transmit the ACK/NACK information for thePDSCH and the data on the PUSCH of at least one carrier in the subframen.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the data comprises channelquality information (CQI).
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the CQIis transmitted on a PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n, ifthe PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is identified. 10.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the CQI is transmitted on a PUSCH of asecondary carrier having a smallest carrier number in the subframe n, ifa PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is not identified andat least one PUSCH of at least one secondary carrier in the subframe nis identified.
 11. A method for utilizing uplink control information(UCI) identified by radio resource control (RRC) signaling for UCItransmission in a communication system, the method comprising:transmitting a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) in a subframepreceding a subframe n; and for a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)of at least one carrier in the subframe n, when the RRC signalingindicates a first value, receiving acknowledgement/negativeacknowledgement (ACK/NACK) information for the PDSCH on a physicaluplink control channel (PUCCH) of a primary carrier in the subframe nand receiving data on the PUSCH of at least one carrier in the subframen.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, when the RRCsignaling indicates a second value, receiving the ACK/NACK informationfor the PDSCH and the data on the PUSCH of at least one carrier in thesubframe n.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the data compriseschannel quality information (CQI).
 14. The method of claim 13, whereinthe CQI is transmitted on a PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframen, if the PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is identified.15. The method of claim 13, wherein the CQI is transmitted on a PUSCH ofa secondary carrier having a smallest carrier number in the subframe n,if a PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is not identifiedand at least one PUSCH of at least one secondary carrier in the subframen is identified.
 16. An apparatus for utilizing uplink controlinformation (UCI) identified by radio resource control (RRC) signalingfor UCI transmission in a communication system, the apparatuscomprising: a transmitter configured to transmit a physical downlinkshared channel (PDSCH) in a subframe preceding a subframe n; and for aphysical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) of at least one carrier in asubframe n, a receiver configured to: when the RRC signaling indicates afirst value, receive acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK)information for the PDSCH on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)of a primary carrier in the subframe n and receive data on the PUSCH ofat least one carrier in the subframe n.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the receiver is configured, when the RRC signaling indicates asecond value, to receive the ACK/NACK information for the PDSCH and thedata on the PUSCH of at least one carrier in the subframe n.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the data comprises channel qualityinformation (CQI).
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the CQI istransmitted on a PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n, if thePUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is identified.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the CQI is transmitted on a PUSCH of asecondary carrier having a smallest carrier number in the subframe n, ifa PUSCH of the primary carrier in the subframe n is not identified andat least one PUSCH of at least one secondary carrier in the subframe nis identified.